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RadNet

RadNet Sampling and Analyses Schedules

Under normal conditions, RadNet air monitors operate continuously and samples of air, precipitation and drinking water are analyzed on a routine schedule. In a radiological emergency, EPA may deploy teams to conduct air monitoring and environmental sampling. Learn about EPA’s role in radiological emergency response.

Medium Sampling Frequency Testing Frequency
Air Filters Continuous (real time) Continuous (real time)
Precipitation As rainfall, snow or sleet occurs Monthly analysis of a composite sample
Drinking Water Quarterly Quarterly
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Routine Sample Analyses

Medium Analyses
Air Filters
Individual Samples

Annual Composite Sample

  • Gamma analysis is performed on all annual composite samples.
  • Isotopic plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) analyses are performed on composite samples from one-fourth of the stations on a four-year rotating schedule.
Precipitation
Monthly Composite Samples
Drinking Water
Individual Samples
  • Tritium (H-3) analysis is performed on each quarterly sample received. 
  • Iodine-131 (I-131) analyses are performed on one sample per station per year.
Composite Samples

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RadNet Air Filter Inquiries

A RadNet air filter inquiry is initiated when there is potential for a release of radioactive materials to the air that could result in the presence of airborne radionuclides at low concentrations, or if low concentrations of radionuclides have been detected in the US or by an international agency. View the RadNet Air Filter Inquiry Log.

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Emergency Schedule

RadNet sampling and analysis are particularly useful when an event such as an explosion or fire sends significant levels of radionuclides into the air. Results of real-time data acquisition and subsequent sample analysis can provide critical information on the identity and concentration of radionuclides in air, precipitation and drinking water. Data from RadNet are useful in dose assessments, as health physicists estimate the immediate and long-term environmental and public health effects.

Learn how RadNet was used during and after Chernobyl, Fukushima and other radiological incidents in the report, Historical Uses of RadNet Data (PDF) (36 pp, 564.16 K, About PDF)

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